How to Restore an iPad to Factory Default Using iTunes

If your iPad isn't working right, it might be easier to start over

What to Know

  • Make a backup and turn off Find My iPad before you restore the device.
  • Open iTunes on a computer and connect the iPad. Select the iPad icon in iTunes.
  • On the Summary screen, select Restore iPad. Confirm and choose Restore and Update.

This article explains how to restore an iPad to its original factory settings using iTunes. Instructions apply to iTunes on Macs with macOS Mojave (10.14) or earlier or iTunes on a Windows PC.

Restore an iPad to Factory Default Settings Using iTunes

If you have a recent backup of your iPad and have turned off Find My iPad, you are ready to restore the iPad to its factory default settings. (If you haven't done these two preparatory steps yet, see the information later in this article.)

Restoring an iPad erases everything on the device and installs a fresh copy of the operating system, which makes it a great troubleshooting step for the iPad. Use your backup to restore all your apps, music, movies, photos, and data after the Restore.

  1. Connect the iPad to your PC or a Mac running macOS Mojave (10.14) or earlier using the cable that came with the tablet.

    Apple removed iTunes from the Mac beginning with macOS Catalina (10.15). To restore an iPad running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later, reset the iPad and erase all content directly in the iPad's settings.

  2. Launch iTunes on the computer.

  3. Select the iPad icon in the upper-left corner of the window.

    Download music to iPad
  4. iTunes displays information about the device. The Restore iPad icon is below the operating system information. 

    Restore iPad with iTunes
  5. iTunes may prompt you to back up your iPad. If you don't have a recent backup, it's a good idea to do this now. If you just performed this action, you don't need another backup.

  6. iTunes confirms that you want to restore it to the factory default settings. Choose Restore and Update. The process takes a few minutes, during which the iPad will reboot. When it's finished, the iPad appears the same as when you first received it. The data has been erased, and it is no longer tied to your iTunes account.

There are multiple ways to restore an iPad to factory default, including methods without connecting it to iTunes. You can also restore it remotely, which is handy if you locked yourself out of your iPad. The most straightforward way is to connect it to a computer that has iTunes on it.

What's Next After Restoring the iPad?

You're free to restore your backup to the iPad, which reloads your documents, apps, contacts, and related information. However, if you merely use your device for light entertainment and web browsing, you may find some value in starting from scratch. Any apps you previously purchased can be restored from the App Store.

Before You Reset Your iPad

If you haven't already backed up the iPad and turned off the Find My iPad feature, take a few minutes before you restore your iPad to take both actions and ensure you don't lose any data.

Back Up to iCloud Using the iPad's Settings

First, perform a backup of your iPad. Your iPad should create a backup on iCloud when it's plugged in and has access to Wi-Fi. If the device hasn't automatically created a backup recently, perform one manually before you reset the tablet. Here's how to check for your most recent backup:

  1. Open the Settings app.

    The iPad Settings app
  2. Tap your name to access the Apple ID, iCloud, iTunes & App Store.

    Apple ID in Settings on an iPad
  3. In the Apple ID settings, tap iCloud.

    iCloud in iPad settings
  4. The iCloud screen shows how much storage you have used and contains the various options for iCloud. Choose iCloud Backup to check for your most recent backup.

    iCloud Backup on iPad
  5. In the Backup settings, look for Back Up Now. Just below is the last backup date and time. If it isn't within the last day, tap Back Up Now to ensure you have a recent backup.

    Manual backup on iPad
  6. Your iPad will back up, and you'll be ready to continue restoring it.

Turn Off Find My iPad

You should also turn off Find My iPad before you restore the iPad to factory default. Find My iPad keeps track of the iPad's location and allows you to lock the iPad remotely or play a sound to help locate it. The Find My iPad settings are also located in the Apple ID settings.

  1. In the iCloud menu in your iPad's Settings app, scroll down and tap Find My iPad to bring up the settings. (In iPads with iPadOS 13 or later, tap your name to open the Apple ID screen and tap Find My.)

    Find My iPad
  2. If Find My iPad is turned on (the on-off slider is green), tap it to turn it off. 

    Turn on Find My iPad
  3. Now, you can restore your iPad.

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